Retired 40-metre dredger sunk off Adelaide to create new artificial reef
South Australian authorities have scuttled the retired dredger MV Andrew Wilson to create an artificial reef off the coast of Brighton. This project aims to restore marine biodiversity following a damaging algal bloom in the region.
Why it matters
Artificial reefs are increasingly used as a conservation tool to mitigate environmental damage and support marine ecosystem recovery.
South Australia has sunk the 40-metre MV Andrew Wilson about six kilometres off the coast of Brighton, turning the retired vessel into an artificial reef. The ship now rests upright 20 metres below the surface on the sandy ocean floor.According to the govt of South Australia, the sinking is part of the $165 million response to the algal bloom that affected marine life in the area. The artificial reef is intended to support the recovery of fish and other marine life after the impact of the algal bloom.The MV Andrew Wilson made its final journey this week after travelling about 40 kilometres from Port Adelaide to Brighton. It was anchored overnight before specialist crews began the operation to sink it.
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